Checklist and Information System on Alien and Invasive species in the Belgian part of the North Sea and adjacent estuaries
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Scientific community
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#OceanAction41482
Description
Worldwide, many plant and animal species have successfully colonized new habitats. Alien species also occur in the marine environment, coming from all over the world. And once an alien or non-indigenous species has settled here, there is usually no way back. The problem of non-indigenous species is not new. Early in history we find reports of such introductions. But for some species it is rather difficult to say whether they are indigenous or not. Our knowledge of some groups of marine organisms does not go far back in time. The reason is that, for the study of certain, often small organisms, our knowledge and research techniques are insufficient.
The project aims to develop and maintain an updated list and information of the alien marine and coastal species. The commitment ensures a continuously updated and annoted bibliography of all known alien and invasive species for the Belgian coast, the Belgian part of the North Sea, the Spuikom in Ostend, and the Scheldt estuary. While VLIZ and its partners strive to develop an exhaustive list of alien species, this is not an easy task. Alien species are often discovered by coincidence and some groups are less known, such as plankton that consists of microscopic plants and animals. In addition, non-indigenous species can be difficult to distinguish from local species, which can lead to the erroneous designation of an alien species. In this list you can click through to factsheets with extensive information about the life cycle and ecology of the species, method of introduction and distribution, the potential impacts or measurable impact of the species on the environment and possible policy measures. Taxonomic information, pictures and relevant links can also be found on these pages, supported by exhaustive and fulltext (pdf) bibliography.
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 14.a | Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries |
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Contact Information
Ann-Katrien LESCRAUWAET, Dr.